A man on a bulldozer tractor reportedly hit a gas line near Road 29 and Avenue 12, causing a sudden explosion and a major gas leak just before 10 a.m. Friday, according to reports made to the California Highway Patrol.

The man told investigators he was blown off the tractor but was able to telephone 911 for help. His condition was not known as of press time.

Traffic on State Route 99 was shut down and rerouted, causing major traffic backups and delays as heavy rain fell.

A contractor for Madera Irrigation District was clearing sand from the bed of Cottonwood Creek when the front of his D5 bulldozer caught the PG&E transfer line that serves residents and businesses within an eight-mile radius, according to Madera County Battalion Fire Chief Matt Watson...